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In the early morning hours of a September night, a team huddled in the combat information center (CIC) on the Cyclone-class coastal patrol ship USS Tornado (PC 14). Lt. Cmdr. Graham Van Hook, Tornado’s commanding officer, stood with his operations officer, the officer-in-charge and the chief of the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment. A possible drug-smuggling vessel had been identified near their location.
Information was being transmitted through a secure line from a Latin American military patrol aircraft, which had the vessel under surveillance. The group in CIC successfully received communications, but due to language barriers, they did not comprehend it. The pilot only spoke Spanish.
"We need to get QM3 up here to translate for us," said Van Hook.
Quartermaster 3rd Class Carlos Paredes awoke from his rack and reported to the CIC. He was briefed on the situation, picked up the phone and began speaking with the pilot. Paredes quickly relayed information between the pilot, Van Hook and the rest of the team in CIC.
After both sides were clear on the details, a plan was developed. Tornado changed course and speed. The pursuit of the vessel was underway.
Tornado is one of 13 Cyclone-class ships, and because of its size, speed capability and endurance, its primary mission is to intercept and board smuggling vessels. Deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, Tornado supports counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
“We’re given a lot more responsibility on Tornado,” said Paredes. “As a third class petty officer, I’m doing the job of a second or first class on a bigger ship. People have to take on more responsibilities due to its size. It’s tough, but we do what we need to get the job done.”
Unique to the platform, members onboard a patrol craft are often expected to perform work outside of the standard tasks for their rate. “Most days if I’m not navigating, I’m out there with the boatswain’s mates chipping paint or helping out wherever I can,” said Paredes. “I’ve even been in the engine room cleaning the engines, washing down the ship, and standing security watch.”
When Paredes isn’t working or standing watch, he turns his focus to his qualifications, which will further his Navy career — such as higher levels of damage control positions and enlisted surface warfare specialist.
“I set myself to a higher standard,” said Paredes. “When I go to another ship, I can hit the ground running because I am gaining so much experience from this small team.”
“When Parades first came aboard as a seaman, he had no real expectation to what PC life was going to be like,” said Quartermaster 1st Class Joshua McAlister, his immediate supervisor. “Most Sailors coming out of “A” school are assigned to bigger platforms, so this was a culture shock for him.”
“I love working with him,” said McAlister. “He’s dedicated, motivated and when he sets his mind to something, he doesn’t stop until he gets it done.”
Growing up, Paredes’ family lived in Jacksonville, Florida, near the Tornado’s homeport of Mayport. Receiving orders near home allows him to benefit by residing at his parents’ house instead of the barracks. Paredes is grateful to be in close proximity to friends and family.
“It’s an opportunity not a lot of people have, so I’m taking advantage of it,” said Paredes. “It’s nice to be able to go home and be with family. You never know when you might not have that option, so why not enjoy that time now?”
Paredes is Ecuadorian, and many of his extended family still live in Ecuador. Knowing this, his commanding officer asked him to take the helm as they pulled into port in Manta, Ecuador during Tornado’s recent patrol in the Eastern Pacific.
After Tornado departed Manta, Paredes was given the Ecuadorian flag flown aboard Tornado during the duration of their time in country.
Being raised in a bilingual home advanced Paredes’ Spanish-speaking ability to a point where he is relied upon to communicate with foreign authorities regarding counter-narcotics operations on Tornado.
“Being able to speak Spanish is part of my heritage, so I’m able to be a translator while I’m here,” explained Paredes. He went on to explain that he is intermittently positioned at the radio to speak with maritime patrol aircraft. “It’s exciting because I can be more involved with interdictions.”
Paredes’ chain of command is confident he will rise to the occasion. “I think Parades can compete with some of the best QMs in the fleet. He’s everything you want from a junior Sailor,” said McAlister.
“Being on this PC is a different side of the Navy,” said Paredes. “I’m really glad I got to come here because I’ll never be able to experience anything like this again.”
| Date Taken: | 10.14.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2020 14:07 |
| Story ID: | 380879 |
| Location: | MAYPORT, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Small Ship, Big Expectations, by PO3 Daniel Serianni, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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